Hibs Back On Winning Trail

Hibs ground out a hard fought for but deserved victory over plucky Gretna.

The Easter Road club will be happy at the prospect of a two week break after losing Mikael Antoine Curier and Guilliame Beauzelin to injury within the first twenty minutes.

Hibs started the match with just the one change from last week’s encounter with Hearts with Thierry Gatheussi taking the place of injured David Murphy.

The enforced switch saw Kevin McCann move to left back with Gatheussi on the right.

A decent travelling support saw Hibs open up proceedings with some neat football and it appeared it would only be a matter of time before the Hibees would open the scoring.

Morais flashed an effort over the bar as did Steven Fletcher before Morais again warmed the hands of Gretna keeper Fleming who pushed his effort wide.

It was all Hibs and the loss of Curier on 14 minutes after a brave save by the goalkeeper prevented him scoring, made no difference.

His replacement Donaldson impressed as his direct style caused Gretna problems.

Beauzelin limped off injured in 20 minutes and the influential Frenchman’s ability were sorely missed as his side began to toil to break their opponents down.

For the remainder of the half Hibs had plenty of the ball but the nearest they came to scoring was Rob Jones thundering header which cannoned back off the bar.

Half time came and went and Hibs started the second half on the front foot again trying to find that elusive goal.

Beauzelin’s replacement Ross Chisholm was unlucky with a half volley from 20 yards that flashed by Fleming’s right hand post but the opener was delayed only two minutes.

Clayton Donaldson went on a mazy run skipping over a couple of challenges and his deflected shot was well kept in by Lewis Stevenson who’s clever cut back was clinically finished by the impressive Steven Fletcher.

After scoring Hibs seemed to take their foot off the pedal and allowed Gretna to have a fair bit of possession.

After squandering a couple of half chances their best attempt came in injury time when James Grady’s attempted chip found the side netting.

No doubt Hibs will be delighted at registering their first victory in 4 SPL games but truth be told this wasn’t one of the club’s better performances this season.
Mixu’s Moan
The lack of atmosphere at the game was evident from the first whistle. Two completely empty stands behind either goal and only 2,666 paying punters it’s no wonder Gretna will no doubt be relegated this season.